Washington, DC. . . The National Archives and Records Administration announced today the award of a major construction contract to renovate the historic National Archives Building in Washington, DC. The $75.7 million dollar contract was awarded to Grunley Construction of Rockville, Maryland.

In addition to the renovation of mechanical, electrical, security, and fire alarm systems, the project will bring the historic building into compliance with the American with Disabilities Act and current national building codes. Additional access to the building will be provided through new visitor entrances that will be constructed beneath the monumental Constitution Avenue stairs.

The new entrances will provide unobstructed access for all Americans to the building that houses the founding documents of our nation - the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights that are collectively known as the Charters of Freedom. Renovations within the historic Rotunda include new display cases for the Charters of Freedom as well as modifications to permit disabled and elderly individuals complete access to the Rotunda display and all exhibit spaces. The renovated building will also include enhanced public exhibition spaces to showcase documentary materials chronicling the history of our nation. Contingent on private funding, a new 294-seat theater is being planned below the Constitution Ave steps.

The National Archives Rotunda will be temporarily closed to the public beginning July 5, 2001. It is expected to re-open in September, 2003. The entire building renovation is expected to be completed in 2004. The research side of the building, including the Textual and Microfilm research rooms, will remain open and operational throughout the renovation period. Addition information on the renovation may be found on the National Archives web site at www.archives.gov.

For additional PRESS information, please contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at (301) 837-1700 or by e-mail.